Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, has confirmed that Canadian seniors will be receiving some pandemic support from the federal government.
The government aid will be a one-time, tax-free payment for seniors eligible for Old Age Security (OAS) pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), or Allowances. According to a press release from the federal government, eligible seniors do not need to apply in order to receive the funds.
“Many seniors are facing higher costs for food and services due to physical distancing restrictions, while others are paying more in dispensing fees to get the same medication or paying a premium for deliveries,” a statement from the government reads.
Schulte and the Feds said that anyone living in Canada can expect payment by direct deposit or cheque this week, while anyone who is residing outside the country can expect it later this month.
Seniors eligible for the OAS pension will receive a payment of $300, according to Schulte.
Those seniors also eligible for the GIS will receive an additional $200, for a total of $500.
Allowance recipients will also receive $500.
“It is important that we help seniors in Canada through this difficult time. With this one-time tax-free payment, we are continuing to support seniors to ensure they are able to get the essentials they need,” said Minister Schulte.
“As we go through this unprecedented challenge, we are providing a variety of measures that support seniors and ensure they know that we are with them and they are not left behind.”
The investment will total $2.5 billion in financial aid.
According to the government, 6.7 million seniors eligible for the OAS pension and 2.2 million eligible for the GIS will benefit from this payment.
Graham Cox
